The Signature Honey Wheat Bread
For many of its Market Fresh sandwiches, Arby's uses a soft, thick-sliced honey wheat bread. This bread is a cornerstone of the line, providing a slightly sweet and wholesome foundation that complements the savory ingredients. It is a key reason for the sandwiches' deli-style appeal and substantial texture. The honey wheat bread is used on a wide range of menu items, serving as the familiar base customers expect from the Market Fresh series.
Which Market Fresh Sandwiches Use Honey Wheat?
Several popular sandwiches from the Market Fresh line are served on honey wheat bread. These include:
- Roast Turkey Ranch & Bacon: This classic combination of oven-roasted turkey, bacon, and cheddar is served on honey wheat bread.
- Roast Ham & Swiss: The honey wheat bread provides a delightful balance to the smoky ham and melted Swiss.
- Ultimate BLT: For a deluxe take on the classic, thick-cut pepper bacon is piled on toasted honey wheat bread.
- Chicken Salad Sandwich with Pecans: The chicken salad is served with lettuce on honey wheat bread, highlighting its deli-inspired nature.
The Special Case of Marble Rye
While honey wheat is the workhorse for most Market Fresh items, the Reuben sandwich has a long-standing and specific requirement: marble rye bread. Toasted to perfection, the marbled rye provides the hearty, tangy flavor profile necessary for a classic deli-style Reuben. It stands in contrast to the lighter, sweeter honey wheat, proving that Arby's tailors its bread selection to best fit the sandwich's specific ingredients and flavor profile.
Arby's Bread Types: A Comparison
| Feature | Honey Wheat Bread | Marble Rye Bread | Soft Wheat Wrap | Brioche Bun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usage | Most Market Fresh sandwiches (e.g., Turkey Ranch & Bacon) | Market Fresh Reuben sandwich | Market Fresh Chicken Salad Wrap | Used for chicken sandwiches, not Market Fresh |
| Flavor Profile | Slightly sweet, mild, and nutty | Tangy, sour, and savory, with a deep flavor | Mild, soft, and thin, with a subtle wheat taste | Rich, buttery, and slightly sweet |
| Texture | Thick-sliced, soft, and slightly chewy | Firm and dense with a crispy toasted exterior | Soft, pliable, and flexible for wrapping | Soft, tender, and light |
| Associated Sandwiches | Turkey Ranch, Roast Ham & Swiss, Chicken Salad | Reuben with Corned Beef or Turkey | Chicken Salad Wrap, Turkey Ranch Wrap | Crispy Chicken Sandwich |
More Than Just Bread: Sourcing and Other Options
While the specific bread types are well-documented, the exact commercial bakeries that supply Arby's bread can be a point of curiosity. According to documents published by ARCOP, the purchasing cooperative for Arby's, several bakeries have been recognized as suppliers, including Highland Baking Company and Rotella's Italian Bakery. This suggests that Arby's relies on established, large-scale bakery partners to ensure consistent quality across its many locations.
It's also worth noting that the Market Fresh category isn't exclusively bread-based. Some options, like the Market Fresh Chicken Salad and Roast Turkey Ranch & Bacon, are also available in a soft wheat tortilla as wraps. This offers customers a different texture and experience while still enjoying the signature Market Fresh ingredients.
Finally, for those with a flair for home cooking, recipes for recreating a copycat honey wheat bread similar to Arby's have circulated online. While not an official corporate recipe, this shows the dedication of fans to replicate the taste and texture of Arby's beloved bread at home. The general recipe includes whole wheat flour, bread flour, honey, and yeast, which aligns with the expected ingredients for a honey wheat loaf. For a more official view, Arby's official nutritional and ingredient information can be found on their website, which also references the Harvest Wheat Bun used for certain menu items.
Conclusion
The answer to what bread does Arby's use for Market Fresh sandwiches is not a single one but a carefully selected variety to suit specific menu items. The line's backbone is the thick-sliced honey wheat bread, which provides a wholesome and slightly sweet flavor for the majority of its deli-style sandwiches. For the Reuben, a toasted marble rye offers a contrasting tangy profile that is essential for its classic taste. Beyond these, Arby's offers wraps and collaborates with large commercial bakeries to ensure consistent, high-quality products, contributing to the overall appeal of their Market Fresh lineup. The thoughtful selection of bread is a testament to Arby's commitment to delivering a specific flavor and texture experience with each sandwich. See the official Arby's website for a full menu breakdown.
A Note on Other Arby's Bread
While the Market Fresh line has distinct breads, it's helpful to remember the other bread types Arby's uses for its menu. The classic Roast Beef sandwiches are often served on a toasted sesame seed bun, while the Beef 'n Cheddar utilizes an onion roll. This further emphasizes that each bread choice at Arby's is intentional and tailored to the specific sandwich.
Arby's Bread Types: A Detailed Look
- Honey Wheat: The primary bread for most deli-style sandwiches in the Market Fresh line. Known for its thick cut, softness, and slightly sweet flavor.
- Marble Rye: Used specifically for the Reuben sandwich, this provides the tangy flavor that defines the sandwich.
- Wheat Tortilla: Wraps in the Market Fresh line utilize a soft wheat tortilla.
- Harvest Wheat Bun: Used for certain sandwiches, as noted in ingredient lists.
- Sesame Seed Bun: Classic bun for standard roast beef sandwiches.
- Onion Roll: Distinctive roll for the Beef 'n Cheddar sandwich.
